Administrative History

Westside Gathering began in the spring of 2003 with five people that met in the home of David and Franca Manafo in Laval, Quebec. In October 2003, they had their first gathering in a community center in Kirkland. Over the course of 14 months, the church continued to grow spiritually, build community, serve its local community, and eventually started public gatherings in Dollard-des-Ormeux in December 2004. The church formally organized in 2006.

The congregation was the third church established by Rendez-Vous Montreal, a church planting initiative of Quebec Mennonite Brethren churches and the Canadian Mennonite Brethren Board of Evangelism. Westside Gathering was established as an English-language church in the Montreal area.

The church developed an “incarnational” approach to ministry. To get to know their neighbors and cultivate authenticity, they advertised free labour in the local paper, hosted discussions at local cafés, and met in small groups spread across the city. The church works with local community organizations to minister to the broader community.

In 2015, the congregation had an average weekly attendance of 140.

The congregation now meets at 820 Tecumseh St., Pointe-Claire, Quebec. See image above.

Congregational leads include David Manafo (2003– ).